One of the biggest obstacles with diagnosing lung cancer is that many patients do not have any lung cancer symptoms until the cancer is in advanced stages.
That is why it is very important for people, especially those at high risk, to understand lung cancer symptoms. People must be aware what these symptoms are and see their doctor if they even suspect they may have lung cancer.
Unseen Disease
Lung cancer does not usually produce any tell tale symptoms in earlier stages. Usually when symptoms do present they are related to the growth of the tumor or the spread of cancer to other areas of the body. In many cases, lung cancer is discovered when a chest x-ray is taken for another reason.
Without early symptoms, early detection of lung cancer is not possible, and as the disease grows, it becomes more difficult to treat and the likelihood of it spreading to other parts of the body becomes more likely.
Sometimes what appears to be a chest cold or some other common respiratory illness, is actually a symptom of lung cancer. These symptoms can be difficult to notice as something more serious and ignored or treated with over the counter medication as a simple virus.
Symptoms
You know what it feels like to have a common virus or infection. Lung cancer symptoms are usually similar and can include:
* A cough that will not go away
* Pains in the chest
* Feeling winded
Be aware of how your body feels is the best way to catch lung cancer symptoms early. Be aware of the following:
* A new cough that develops suddenly, especially if you smoke or used to smoke.
* A nagging cough that does not respond to cough medication
* Pain in the chest that is dull, yet persistent.
* Wheezing
* Raspy voice
* Repeated respiratory illness
Depending upon the type of lung cancer, a variety of symptoms can be seen. One form of lung cancer tumors are Metastatic and may react differently in the body and cause different symptoms. While most do not cause any symptoms, they can sometimes spread to the adrenal glands, the bones and even the brain.
The difficulty of detecting lung cancer in the early stages is part of the reason why it has such a high death rate. - 31856
That is why it is very important for people, especially those at high risk, to understand lung cancer symptoms. People must be aware what these symptoms are and see their doctor if they even suspect they may have lung cancer.
Unseen Disease
Lung cancer does not usually produce any tell tale symptoms in earlier stages. Usually when symptoms do present they are related to the growth of the tumor or the spread of cancer to other areas of the body. In many cases, lung cancer is discovered when a chest x-ray is taken for another reason.
Without early symptoms, early detection of lung cancer is not possible, and as the disease grows, it becomes more difficult to treat and the likelihood of it spreading to other parts of the body becomes more likely.
Sometimes what appears to be a chest cold or some other common respiratory illness, is actually a symptom of lung cancer. These symptoms can be difficult to notice as something more serious and ignored or treated with over the counter medication as a simple virus.
Symptoms
You know what it feels like to have a common virus or infection. Lung cancer symptoms are usually similar and can include:
* A cough that will not go away
* Pains in the chest
* Feeling winded
Be aware of how your body feels is the best way to catch lung cancer symptoms early. Be aware of the following:
* A new cough that develops suddenly, especially if you smoke or used to smoke.
* A nagging cough that does not respond to cough medication
* Pain in the chest that is dull, yet persistent.
* Wheezing
* Raspy voice
* Repeated respiratory illness
Depending upon the type of lung cancer, a variety of symptoms can be seen. One form of lung cancer tumors are Metastatic and may react differently in the body and cause different symptoms. While most do not cause any symptoms, they can sometimes spread to the adrenal glands, the bones and even the brain.
The difficulty of detecting lung cancer in the early stages is part of the reason why it has such a high death rate. - 31856
About the Author:
Her name is Anne Durrel. She comes from California. She has written extensively on Lung Cancer . You may want to check out her other guide on cancer stages tips, and lung cancer facts guide!
